Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education

from NW Kids Magazine August 2023 - Digital Edition

Editor’s Note

While there are many educational philosophies and styles, not all are the right match for every child. Let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired choices in the Portland Metro area.

Waldorf

Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Its pedagogy strives to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of pupils’ imagination and creativity is a central focus.The first Waldorf school opened in 1919[ in Stuttgart, Germany. A century later, it has become the largest independent school movement in the world, with about 1,200 independent Waldorf schools,1,800 kindergartens and 646 centers for special education located in 75 countries.

Montessori

The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a childcentered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori’s method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world. The Montessori method views the child as the one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with “a hundred languages”, through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.

Cedarwood Waldorf School

Play-based, Waldorf

Children in Pre-K - grade 8 are nurtured by a thoughtful contemporary Waldorf pedagogy, with music, arts education, experiential learning, and language programs.

Pre-K - 8th grade, $8,500 - $21,250/yr

3030 SW 2nd Ave

503-245-1477 cedarwoodschool.org

KLA Schools of Hillsboro

Reggio Emilia

At KLA Schools, their mission is to foster a safe, innovative learning environment and high-quality education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Ages 6 weeks - 5 years, $1,106 - $2,169/mo

1855 NE 48th Ave, Hillsboro 503-333-2002 klaschools.com/hillsboro

Little Fruit Farm

Montessori

Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities yearround. Ages 2-6, Contact for tuition details

16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603 littlefruitfarmmontessori.com

Montessori Children’s House

Montessori

Opened in 2010 in the South Waterfront area, MCH is a non-profit Montessori school serving young children with 2 toddler and 2 primary communities.

Ages 16 months - 6 years, $1,500-$1,865/mo

3626 S. Bond Ave, Portland 503-360-1179 mch-pdx.org

Montessori School of Beaverton (MSB) Montessori

MSB is an independent Montessori school located West of Portland. They specialize in child-centered learning & offer ample access to nature on their 6-acre campus.

Ages 3-12, $11,510-$13,980/yr

11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland 503-439-1597 msb.org

Oregon Episcopal School

Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry Based

Through an inquiry-based curriculum and hands-on exploration, OES instills a lifelong love for learning as students realize their power for good.

Pre-K - 12th Grade, $28,800–$41,800/yr (day, pre-K–12th grade) $73,300/yr (boarding, grades 9–12)

6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland 503-768-3115 oes.edu

Owl and the Dove Montessori

Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, RIE

A small community of families (Gender Creative Parenting Welcome!) with a unique low ratio, offering an amazing opportunity to connect, observe & nurture.

Ages 6 weeks - 2 years, $1800/mo

6126 NE 12th Ave, Portland 503-522-0537 owlandthedove.com

Portland Montessori Collaborative Montessori, RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) integrated into infant and toddler curriculum

They aim to provide a loving and nurturing place for children to explore, grow, learn, and connect with other children and adults. 4817 SW 53rd Ave, Portland 503-972-7100 pdxmc.org continued on p. 16

Portland Village School

Waldorf

A public Waldorf school nurturing the whole child. Tuition-free to serve students from all backgrounds and cultures. Moving to S Waterfront fall 2024!

K - 8th Grade, Tuition-free

7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland

503-445-0056 portlandvillageschool.org

Portland Waldorf School

Waldorf

Rigorous & engaging curriculum in the sciences, humanities, world languages, arts, music, athletics, & more. Minimal & intentional use of technology.

Pre-K - 12th Grade, $9,720-$21,730/yr

2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie

503-654-2200 portlandwaldorf.org

Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm

Play-based, Waldorf

Artistically educating the whole child. Inspiring gratitude and reverence for humanity, nature, and lifelong learning.

Pre-K - 8th Grade, $9,950 - $15,325/yr

460 S Heather St, Cornelius 503-846-0336 swallowtailschool.org

West Hills Montessori School

Montessori

In their 55th year, WHMS provides exceptional learning experiences that foster empathy and compassion, inspire creativity, and nurture joy in learning.